Be Happy Anyway

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Now that Spring Break is over and we are back to our regularly scheduled programming, I have some things to share.

First, I want to share with you something nice that my friend RLD made. He had been looking through the Internet for something to do with a broken plate. He found Kintsugi - the Japanese art of repairing ceramics. The problem was that the only kit we could find was from the Netherlands. We started researching and he found an epoxy that he could make black. RLD repaired the plate and added the Zentangle skills he learned from watching me and from the Internet. The result is below.

This was someone who didn't consider himself artistic. I think he is wrong. I also think we will breaking a lot more plates...on purpose this time.

On to my latest project...I enrolled in Mixed Emotions and finished most of the assignments.

It was a great time. I ran out of time in my life to finish the course, but I will get to it after I move.

Yep, you heard it! I am finally going to get to move out of this place and into my house. Moving day is around April 12.

I will probably be absent for a bit until after the move, but after that I really want to get back into blogging and my art full force.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

My trip is wrapping up. Tomorrow, I hit the road and make my way back to get the kids. Speaking of the kids...This little boy is not so little anymore:

He turns 8 today!

He told me he got a bicycle from his dad and that it DIDN'T have training wheels. He was worried about falling.

He would have loved going to this place with me:

White Sands Missile Range Museum

This would have been even more fun:

White Sands National Monument

If you have never been to it or don't know much about it, you can learn more here. That is gypsum sand, not snow which is why the kids are barefoot and wearing shorts.

I didn't come ready to play ( I sure will next time ), so I stopped to take some pictures instead.

As you can see, it was a very bright day.

After some time in the sun, we headed to the historical town of Old Mesilla. Everywhere you go, you will find references to Billy the Kid. But the most beautiful part of the town is the Basilica of San Albino Roman Catholic Church.

It was the perfect time of day with the sun setting behind the church. Just as we were leaving one of the many gift shops, the bells that date back to the 1870s began chiming that is was six o'clock and then played a beautiful tune. This building is the center of this town's traditional square which is surrounded by restaurants, jewelry stores, art galleries and gift stores. At times you will find the square filled with vendors selling various goods. If you are ever in Southwest New Mexico, head on down to Mesilla. You won't be disappointed.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

This year is my first year that I am spending Spring Break without the kiddos. It was around this time last year that I made my decision to move back to Texas with them. Since their dad is in Kansas, he only gets to see them on holidays and summers. So what to do?? Go on a road trip.

After driving my kids from central Texas to Oklahoma, I turned around and stayed the night at a friend's house in Abilene on my way to El Paso. While in El Paso, I have already been on one road trip to Cloudcroft, NM.

Click on picture to see full panorama

Click on picture to see full panorama

We took lots of pictures as we drove through the desert and mountains.

The town of small, quiet village of Cloudcroft is tucked up in the mountains. The main street is lined with interesting gift stores and cafes.

As you drive past the center of the village, you will find some unique cottages and log cabins.

We even saw a cabin in the process of being completed.

Tomorrow, I will be heading to White Sands National Monument, Las Cruces, and Old Mesilla. More pictures to come. I will also be sharing the results of my participation in Marit and Michelle's workshop.

About Me

I am a fourth grade teacher. I tend to ramble and a blog seemed like the perfect outlet for it. That way only people who want to hear what I have to say get to listen. You will find that there is no central theme. If you like music, scrapping, art journaling, stories of a mom ready to pull her hair out, you have come to the right place. Welcome to my world.